A close call at King’s Daughters Medical Center Urgent Care reminds us all of the dangers of overdoses and the life-saving power of quick intervention. Lawrence County EMS and Urgent Care staff responded swiftly to an overdose emergency involving a man who had been found lethargic and non-responsive in the passenger seat of a vehicle. The timely use of Narcan—a nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses—saved his life, but the incident raises an important question: What should you do if a friend overdoses?
The man had been waiting in the vehicle while his friends were getting their nails done at a local salon. When they returned, they found him nodding off and unresponsive. In a panic, they rushed him to urgent care, where staff administered three doses of Narcan. He began to respond, becoming alert and vomiting as his breathing returned to normal.
Deputy Chris Frame and I later spoke with the victim at the scene, who revealed a history of heroin use and past overdoses. He admitted to smoking a blunt that might have been laced with K2, a dangerous synthetic drug that can have unpredictable effects. Despite his prior history, he was unwilling to seek treatment, but was advised to undergo an AOD assessment to assess his addiction.
What to Do if a Friend Overdoses:
- Call 911 immediately – Get medical help on the way. Time is critical in overdose cases.
- Administer Narcan – If you have it available, Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If you’re unsure how to use it, ask 911 for guidance.
- Keep the person awake and breathing – If they’re conscious, try to keep them awake. If they stop breathing, perform CPR if you are able.
- Stay with them – Never leave an overdose victim alone, even if they seem to have “come around” after Narcan. They can relapse into an overdose after a short period of time.
- Encourage treatment – Overdoses are serious and should be a wake-up call. Encourage your friend to seek help, and if they’re unwilling, contact support services to help guide them.
Remember, addiction is a disease, and it’s important to reach out for help—whether for yourself or a loved one. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Act quickly, and always have Narcan on hand if you’re at risk.
If you see the signs of an overdose, don’t hesitate: call 911, administer Narcan if you can, and stay by their side until help arrives. It could save a life.
